The Guide is designed to help motorists make informed choices and covers all those tricky questions such as financial incentives, emissions, range, charging time and infrastructure. There is also information on batteries, repair and the costs associated with running electric vehicles.

The guide demonstrates direct cost comparisons between internal combustion engines (ICE) and pure electric vehicles over a period of three years. SMMT’s work - hot on the tails of our comment on positive EV uptake linked with the media - identifies that purchasing an EV is the cost effective option.

Higher mileage users save more. Over three years it is suggested that an EV is £1279 cheaper than an equivalent ICE vehicle. The Guide also highlights new developments in the UK such as the plug-in car grant, a subsidy of 25% towards the cost of an eligible electric vehicle up to a value of £5,000 and the growth in electric vehicle charging points numbers.

These types of incentives are now seen in many of the leading countries who want to encourage the uptake of these environmentally sound products.

Robin Haycock, Head of Transport, The Climate Group says: “With the plug-in car grant now in place and increasing numbers of high quality electric vehicles coming on to the market, we will see the consumer demand for these vehicles rise. SMMT helpfully guides the consumer through the mire of questions associated with purchasing an electric car. Most interviews with EV drivers indicate that when they get behind the wheel of an EV they realize how great the products are, so identifying that it is a financially sound decision, and will further facilitate rapid uptake.”

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive, SMMT, said “Over the past decade, the pace of technological developments in the automotive industry has picked up considerably as vehicle manufacturers focus on increasing the fuel efficiency of their vehicles and cutting CO2 emissions.” He continues: “Equally important is our responsibility to guide motorists through the increasing range of choices they now face. It is vital they understand the benefits they can experience, equipping them with the best information to make the right purchasing decision for their driving needs.”